After performing well with the bat against Sri Lanka in the all-important match of the Quadrangular Under-19 Series,Akshdeep Nath is quite relieved. Though he had played under demanding situations in the past in domestic cricket but today he felt immense pressure as he was conscious of the fact that he was playing for the country.

He was so excited with the victory that the highest run-getter on behalf of the victors did not even bother to check out his individual score. He played a responsible knock scoring 55 runs off 82 balls which included four boundaries and a six.

Talking to The Indian Express,Akshdeep said,Today,I was under immense pressure. When five wickets had fallen with just 37 runs on board,I just told the batsmen at the other end to lets play for as long as possible and that approach worked.

This under-19 quadrangular series was my first opportunity to represent my country and today playing in the final was a totally different experience for me.

The wicket was quite wet and we had to bat first as we lost the toss. There was loads and loads of pressure. I am glad that I was able to make some runs (read 55) for my team. I have not checked the exact figure,that India won has given me a feeling of great joy.

My performance has boosted my confidence level to a great extent.

As a batsman,it was my duty to bat responsibly. Bowlers Sandeep Sharma and Rush Kalaria played a big role in the teams victory, said the humble cricketer.

The 18-year-old whose name features in the UP Ranji Trophy probables for 2011-2012,said that with his first dream playing for India Under-19 team being fulfilled now he wants to focus on his second dream of becoming a permanent member of the UP Ranji Trophy team.

Domestic cricket is just the right platform to polish your skills and play with with players who represent the nation at the senior level. I want to be a permanent member of the Uttar Pradesh Ranji team.

After a year,I wont be able to play in the under-19 team so then the Ranji Trophy will provide me an opportunity to showcase my talent. I want to represent the senior India team some day.

Its party time!

celebrations at Akshdeeps residence at Vikas Nagar,Lucknow started as soon as India beat Sri Lanka today. The young batsman has requested his father Deependra Nath,an accountant by profession to organise a party at home tomorrow. My father,my mother (Sindhu) and elder brother Animesh are all very happy with me. I will be reaching Lucknow tomorrow at 7.30 pm and there will be a party for the relatives say around after an hour or so. As I have many friends,I will be throwing a party to them as well very soon, he disclosed.